Integrated printed hybrid electronics on paper

Printed electronics is seen as an ultralow cost alternative to current mass produced electronic modules for achieving a simple function or effect. In reality only very basic electronic functions can be realized using purely additive printing and coating techniques. Even for the most simple functional electronic circuit hybrid manufacturing methods need to be employed using elements from standard SMD components as well as traditional converting technologies. In order to achieve the low cost target each processing step must be evaluated in order to reach a balance between functionality and processing as well as material cost. Reel to reel production is commonly regarded as the most cost efficient method to manufacture very high volumes of devices, and high volume is a prerequisite for low cost. We demonstrate in the ROPAS project (EC FP7 grant agreement no 263078) the manufacturing process employed to produce an electronic anti-tampering indicator based on paper as a substrate for ultra-low cost in large volumes.